Principles of science for nurses / Joyce James, Colin Baker & Helen Swain.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

James, Joyce.

Contributor:

Baker, C. (Colin)

Swain, Helen L.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Science--Handbooks, manuals, etc.

Science.

Medical Subjects:

Science.

Genre:

Handbooks and manuals.

Physical Description:

xviii, 252 pages : illustrations ; 25 cm

Place of Publication:

Oxford ; Malden, MA : Blackwell Science, 2002.

Summary:

A basic understanding of science and technology is vital to students in modern nursing education. Recognising that many students have little or no scientific background when they commence their studies, the authors of this book have produced a text written in plain language which is easy to use and non-threatening. This introductory textbook provides nursing students with the essential bioscience they need to complete their nursing studies. The book explains the scientific concepts that are related to all nursing practices and procedures from the simplest to the most advanced. The ability to recognise why things are done the way they are will strengthen confidence in contributing to patient care. Activities and exercises are included in each chapter to encourage enquiry and test understanding, with simple and clear diagrams supporting explanations in the text. At the end of the chapter there are further questions to try, with answers provided. A glossary of terms is provided for quick reference and suggestions for further reading have been included at the end of each chapter. For anyone who has not studied science before this is an excellent introduction to the key principles of chemistry, physics and biology and how they apply to nursing.

Contents:

Homeostasis ix

Measurement and units x

Chapter 1 Atoms 1

Matter 1

Elements 4

Atomic number and mass number 6

Isotopes 6

Relative atomic mass 6

Electron arrangement 7

Compounds 8

Chemical equations 8

Chemical bonding 10

The mole 15

Relative formula mass 17

Chapter 2 Water and electrolyte balance 19

Bonding in water 19

Water as a solvent 21

Concentrations 25

Diffusion and osmosis 27

Tonicity of cells 30

Filtration 32

Electrolyte balance 32

Water in the body 33

Water balance 35

Water regulation 37

Dialysis 38

Chapter 3 Acids and bases 40

Acids 40

Bases 41

Neutralisation 42

Salts 42

Strong and weak acids and bases 43

The pH scale 45

pH of body fluids 47

Chemical buffers 48

Respiratory regulation of pH 50

Renal regulation of pH 52

When the balancing act no longer works 53

Compensation - systems working together 56

Chapter 4 Biomolecules 58

Organic chemistry 58

Carbohydrates 59

Lipids 63

Proteins 66

Nucleic acids 70

Digestion and absorption of biomolecules 72

Chapter 5 Cells 77

Two cell types 77

Viruses and prions 78

Cell structure 79

Human cell organelles 82

Growth of cells and cell division 88

Chapter 6 Genetics 92

Genes 92

Gene inheritance patterns 95

Genetic disorders 97

Characteristics of single-gene disorders 99

Genetic techniques 104

Chapter 7 Microorganisms 109

Microorganisms 109

Microorganism structure 109

Growth 112

Laboratory techniques 114

Infection 115

Prevention of infection 117

Drug-resistant bacteria 120

Chapter 8 Immunology 124

The immune system 124

Innate and adaptive immunity 125

Immune system structure 127

Defective immune responses 131

Applications of the immune system 132

Chapter 9 Fluids - liquids and gases 137

Pressure 137

Atmospheric pressure 137

Liquids 139

Blood - pressure, resistance and flow 140

Gases 146

Chapter 10 Nutrition and metabolism 157

Definition of energy 157

Nutrition 159

Adenosine triphosphate - ATP 163

Metabolism 164

Metabolic pathways 165

Basal metabolic rate (BMR) 173

Chapter 11 Electromagnetic radiation 177

What is electromagnetic radiation? 177

The sun and electromagnetic radiation 178

Non-ionising radiation 180

Radioisotopes 180

Monitoring exposure and reducing dosage 183

Clinical uses of radioisotopes 183

Non-invasive imaging techniques 185

Chapter 12 Temperature and heat 191

Heat and temperature 191

Latent heat 194

Transmission of heat 195

Temperature homeostasis - heat balance in the body 197

Control of abnormal body temperatures - hypothermia and hyperthermia 199

Chapter 13 Forces and mechanics 202

Getting things moving - Newton's laws of motion 202

The force of gravity 204

Friction 206

Levers 208

Pulleys 210

Forces, levers and moving and handling issues 210

Chapter 14 Electricity 213

Electricity 213

Electricity and the body 217

Medical applications of electricity 223.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

0632057696

OCLC:

49351045